A BAFTA judge has resigned following the organization's response to an incident where Tourette's advocate John Davidson shouted a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Jonte Richardson announced on Monday, Feb. 23, that he was resigning after witnessing how the organization chose to handle the incident at the Sunday, Feb. 22 ceremony.
While Jordan and Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects, Davidson shouted the N-word at them. Davidson has Tourette’s Syndrome, which symptoms include involuntary verbal and physical tics, and audience members were warned prior to the ceremony that they may hear some "involuntary noises or movements.”
RELATED: Tourette’s Advocate John Davidson Breaks Silence Following BAFTAs Controversy
Richardson wrote on LinkedIn that he felt "compelled" to "withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel" following "considerable soul searching." He called the way the organization handled the "unfortunate Tourette's N-word" incident "utterly unforgivable."
"I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an [organization] that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community," he said. "This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favorite shows of 2025 Just Act Normal."
He continued, “However, when an [organization] like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its [behavior]."
Richardson concluded his statement with a message to BAFTA, writing, "I hope [they] comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future."
BAFTA had publicly addressed the controversy shortly following the incident. They wrote in a statement, "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and [apologize] to all."
The statement continued, "Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we [apologize] unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."
The organization concluded with, "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we [apologize] to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."
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